A Critical Exploration of the Multi-Dimensions of Aloneness Through the Examination of Midlife Adult Transitional Experiences and A Review of Social Policy

Jones, Lisa (2025) A Critical Exploration of the Multi-Dimensions of Aloneness Through the Examination of Midlife Adult Transitional Experiences and A Review of Social Policy. Doctoral thesis, Buckinghamshire New University (Awarded by Staffordshire University).

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Abstract

Loneliness is deemed a societal concern due to its association with poor mental health. Solitude has received less attention, despite evidence of its restorative properties and its promising role in relieving loneliness. The lack of integrated research exploring the relationship between loneliness and solitude in a societal context has arguably hindered awareness of the nuances of being and feeling alone, conceptualised in this research as the multi-dimensions of aloneness. Novel qualitative and quantitative data were collected from midlife adults who had experienced life transitions—an under-represented population in loneliness and solitude research. The midlife transitional experience was examined considering the opportunities and challenges that arise throughout this period of life. The participant data were supplemented with a critical study of social policy to uncover the ways in which policy-level narratives portray being and feeling alone in society, as well as to contrast the tensions and opportunities between individual and systemic conceptualisations of 'aloneness'. The research found that feeling and being alone are complex and highly contextualised within the societal system, dependent on psychological perceptions, environmental context, and societal factors. Time alone and social relationships are both offered as self-determined means to feel emotionally connected to place, the self, community, and nature. This research presents an original contribution through novel methods that highlight the contextualised nuances of feeling and being alone and argues for the recognition of the value of promoting positive solitude in communities alongside positive social relationships. Social policy would benefit from addressing societal barriers in conjunction with improving conditions within communities to foster emotional connectedness to self, place, community, nature, and purpose, whether alone or in the company of others.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Keywords:	Loneliness, solitude, aloneness, midlife, social policy, contexts
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	18 Aug 2025 11:00
Last Modified:	18 Aug 2025 11:00
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/20597

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